Osmanthus heterophyllus

false holly

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Flower colour: white
• Other features: oval, blue-black fruit
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This dense, rounded, evergreen shrub has glossy, dark green, holly like leaves and fabulous, jasmine scented tubular flowers from late summer to autumn, followed by oval, blue-black fruit. A great structural plant for a shrub or mixed border in sun or part shade, it needs to be protected from cold north and east winds.
  
  
• Garden care: Minimal pruning is required. Remove misplaced, dead or diseased branches in late spring and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.